Motorsports Newsletter 10/04/24

By Richard Parks

1) EDITOR’S CORNER: If you spot a spelling error in names, please let me know. As for grammar and punctuation ignore that. My grammar check on the computer is awful.

Since my little newsletter (about 1000) comes out weekly, starting on Wednesday, I need at least 2 weeks’ notice at the very least, that’s why much of the news is historical in nature. All notices are free (I don’t call them ads). You put a great deal of time and effort into your projects so notify others way in advance of your event. Even a year ahead is never too early.

If you are a writer, photographer, racer, mechanic, etc, send in a summary of what you do. Other readers may not know what you do, and I know I am interested, and younger readers are too. Don’t think that everyone knows what you do because new generations come along constantly, and they need to learn about the motorsport’s world.

ALL links in the newsletter need to be copied and pasted into your browser in order to work.

You do not need permission to resend the Motorsports Newsletter to anyone you wish. If you want to you can also send me their email addresses and I will add them to the list for the newsletter, but let others know that you are giving their email address to me so they won’t be shocked by something that they didn’t order.

2) George Poteet, by David Tremayne restspirit@aol.com. DEMON DRIVER. Part 13 (cont’d). In his later years fostering talent and creating opportunities for others were as important to George as going fast. “I’ve accomplished pretty much everything anyone could dream of accomplishing,” he said. “I don’t get off in getting big awards anymore. I’m in it for other people now.”

3) Tim Scott from Hot Rod magazine is looking for information and memories of Alex Xydias for a project that he is doing. If you can help him, please email him at tim.scott@scottphoto.co. BTW, it’s .co and not .com.

4) Somehow your formatting is causing some really vexing type configurations…dropping a word off the end of each line and making it an entirely new line below with only one word in it. That seems to make reading for good context difficult (at least for me). Doug Stokes

DOUG: 1) It’s my old computer. 2) everyone has different programming. 3) Computers are evil. I will try to correct it.

5) Next up on the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) schedule is the NASCAR Classic at NASCAR’s Bank of America Roval 400, October 12-13, 2024. The Charlotte HSR debut is followed by the 10th running of the Classic Daytona 24 Hour presented by IMSA at Daytona International Speedway (DIS), October 30-November 3. From Adam Saal at SaalGoodPR@Gmail.com.

6) Books on Mark Greene’s Cars Year website mentioned by those appearing on Mark’s Podcast.

Jeff Zwart – The Limit: Life and Death at the 1961 Gran Prix Circuit, Michael Cannell, Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.

Mike Renner – Shunt: The Story of James Hunt by Tom Rubython.

Traci Hrudka – High Performance by Dr. Robert C. Post.

Ross Bentley – Mindeset Carole Dweck, The Brain That Changes Itself Norman Doidge, Speed Secrets Ross Bentley.

J.G. Francis – Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl and Beast by Jade Gurss.

Sandra Button – My Brooks Too Broad for Leaping by Denise McCluggage.

Peter Bodensteiner – Gurney Eagle Westlake Stance and Speed Monograph Series, and Beast by Jade Gurss.

Jason Fenske – Engineering Fundamentals of the Internal Combustion Engine by Willard W. Pulkrabek.

7) Kevin Strauch sent me the following memory from his playbook about the ‘River Road.’ “Were you there the night the

Brizette brothers brought out their 1940 Ford coupe with the blown Chrysler in to race a guy named Cherry Nose who had a candy red Chevy from Glendale? Well, we had the same thing happen only none of us got caught anywhere near as close as you did. Seems to me the Brizette brothers went home and got their Chrysler belly tank, towed it over and made a run on Riverside drive. Man, those were the days and boy were we stupid.” You guys out there must have some stories to tell about the east valley shenanigans. Let loose and write to Richard. From: Paul Chamberlain at 2604prc@gmail.com.

8) Ak Miller told another story about how an airline pilot wanted to drive his car and set a record at Bonneville. The driver crashed in the car before there was arm net restraints and as the car tipped over the man’s hand flipped out and his hand was severed. That accident caused the SCTA to institute new safety guidelines. (source: the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way)

9) The first of 3 reports for the First British International Drag Festival, produced by Nick Pettitt, here’s part 1. Pioneer Stories – 1964 Drag Festival Report Part 1. 19th September 2024. The British Drag Racing Historians are proud to present part one of the 1964 Drag Festival Reports: This is the first part in a series of three race reports from the ‘1st British International Drag Festival’ which happened 60 years ago today. This part covers the first weekend which happened on the 19th and 20^th September 1964 visiting Blackbushe Airport on the Saturday and RAF Chelveston on the Sunday. The Drag Festival was probably the most reported event in drag racing history such was the importance of this historic venture, bringing the American sport to the UK and beyond. Reports appeared in countless magazines and newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic. Story produced by Nick Pettitt and published by editor of Eurodragster.com, Chris Winn. You can view this story and photos by entering European Drag Racing News, (eurodragster.net) or https://www.eurodragster.net/eurodragster/article.aspx?id=57.

10) A.J. Foyt: The Whole Story, by Art Garner, with foreword by Mario Andretti. On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Art Garner will be signing his book on A.J. Foyt at Autobooks/Aerobooks, from 11am to 3pm. The address is 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA, 91505, 818-845-0707, www.autobooks-aerobooks.com. Tina Van Curen at tina@autobooks-aerobooks.com.

11) Saved these pictures from when our ACES and EIGHTS racing team-club had the timing lights at Half Moon Bay drag strip as well as Cotati, Lodi, Kingdon, and Fremont. Then the Champion Speed shop took over the timing and scoring. Great pictures from my era. Link to the articles and photographs at http://wediditforlove.com/NoCal.html. Dema Elgin

DEMA: The Ewald brothers have put together an awesome collection of drag racing history and photographs.

12) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. “Kid Killers of the Highways” in Woman’s Home Companion. Helena Huntington Smith and Robert Clark wrote an article in the January 1947 issue of Woman’s Home Companion magazine with the title “Kid Killers of the Highways.” To call the article a HATCHET job would be unfair; although they unanimously held the view that most, if not all, young people were bad drivers.

13) (Trailblazer Newsletter for September Part 1.) Dennis Agajanian does not argue with people or get into name calling. He simply shares the Bible and music with others. Dennis said, “Evangelism isn’t right wing or left wing. Evangelism is caring for the hearts of people who are lost and sharing the good news.” Dennis’ uncle, the late famous race promoter J.C. Agajanian was rarely seen without his signature Stetson hat. Years ago, J.C. was promoting a race in Arizona. The blazing heat was bearing down on him and J.C. bought a Stetson that became his trademark. Looks like Dennis has followed his uncle’s footsteps. As a matter of fact, isn’t Dennis a spitting image of JC? Dennis, a phenomenal musician and singer, MOTORCYCLIST, don’t miss that, one very brave and courageous man, and a man of peace and love through God. From Chris Agajanian.

14) The Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) Championship Point Award Series for 2024. Two first-timers to the Quick 32 Sportsman Series won Top Dragster and Top Sportsman, respectively, with John Vergotz Jr defeating Lui Ramundo to determine the overall Quick 32 Sportsman Series event winner. In the final overall run, John Vergotz Jr. from Erie, PA, ran a 4.5906 second-pass at 149.70 mph on a 4.59 dial-in, with a .0160 second reaction time in his BRE (Jim Bersani Racing Enterprises) Top Dragster, powered by a 615-cubic inch Brodix SR20 APD (Advanced Power Design) engine.  In a close race he defeated Lui Ramundo’s 4.6407 second 150.75 mph run on a 4.64 dial-in with a .0265-second reaction time. Ramundo was piloting his Ramundo Racing 1996 Chevrolet Camaro with a nitrous-powered 598-cubic-inch big block Chevy engine from Welland, Ontario. Bruce Mehlenbacher is at Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.

15) Conclusion of the 2024 Trail of Tears bike ride by members of the Cherokee Nation and friends.

This year we were treated with the Special Visit to the Museum which was an enjoyment and much appreciated. That evening we made a brief stop at the Indian Campsite at Brush Creek, returning to the Fish Camp where Roger cooked hamburgers and wieners for hot dogs. Sunday morning, we went to the Cemetery where Roger took pictures of Culver markers. We then headed back on the Cook Route. The Drane/Hood Route, which follows US 72, is more expedient for the purposes of that Ride. The Cook Route, being more authentic, includes Naches Trace, Cherokee, Alabama, the forty-seven miles of railroad from Decatur to Tuscumbia, Butlers Mill, across Grant Mountain, then Hwy 79 to Scottsboro, going past Pinky Bradford’s. Pinky arranged the 1996 chauffeuring in Rickey Steele’s limousine. Also, that was the year the Mayor of Scottsboro presented me with the Key to the City. Along the way, we visited my oldest son who prepared hamburgers and fries for the occasion. We completed the Run at Marion County Park where Bill Cason found me the day before the first Ride in 1994. I have designated the 2024 Trail of Tears Weekend Activities as THE VICTORY RUN, from Ross Landing to Waterloo to Marion County Park. September 23, 2024, From Chief Dale Cook.

16) Books from Dalton Watson Fine Books at www.daltonwatson.com: Cobra Pilote: The Ed Hugus Story, by Robert D. Walker. Concours d’Elegance: Dream Cars and Lovely Ladies, by Patrick Lesueur, translated by David Burgess-Wise. KIM: A Biography of M.G. Founder Cecil Kimber, by Jon Pressnell. Books from Dalton Watson Books at www.daltonwatson.com.

17) The 47th running of Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) The Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 25-27, 2025. The oldest and perhaps most revered HSR race, the traditional featured Run Group of the 47th Mitty will be announced in the near future. Adam Saal SaalGoodPR@Gmail.com.

18) The Quarter Mile Foundation (QMF) has a new booth location at the end of Hot Rod Alley in the Central Hall during the SEMA Show. Booth number 22299 will be our home this year. Quarter Mile Foundation, 6210 Beverly Dr, Cleveland, Ohio.  From: Traci Hrudka is at hrudka@44704005.mailchimpapp.com, or hrudka@sbcglobal.net.

19) BOOK REVIEW: One Last Turn, (road racing) by Martin Rudow and David Gaddis (cont’d).

It is a finely woven story of the men who built and maintained road racing cars. The behind-the-scenes creators of speed, mechanical genius and outstanding innovation. They created beauty as well as performance long before Artificial Intelligence and computers. Each one of the men portrayed taught me something. I mentioned Jack Deren because he helped me with Oscar Koveleski’s story. Also listed are the drivers each builder and mechanic worked on and a history that goes back to the early days of road racing. One Last Turn will be an important part of your racing knowledge and library. The size of the book will bring it out of your bookcase and on a table where you will turn to it often and admire the beauty of the machines, read a few pages and dream. It is that good of a book. I wonder if Rudow and Gaddis will reprise this topic with More One Last Turn; the Sequel. I would rate it a strong 7 and 1/2 sparkplugs out of 8 and recommend that you add it to your library. Martin Rudow is at rudowsp@gmail.com. Gone Racin’ Archives is at RnParks1@Juno.com.

20) SHERM PORTER’s List of Events and car shows for 2024, fuely32@sbcglobal.net.

NOVEMBER 14-17, 2024, In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, Fairplex/Pomona, CA – For info: www.nhra.com.

NOVEMBER 15-17, 2024, GOODGUYS Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals, WestWorld/Scottsdale, Arizona. ’99 and earlier, 925-838-9876 or www.good-guys.com.

WEEKLY-SATURDAYS-SUNDAY AUTO HANGOUTS:

BAKERY BUMS: Every Saturday 7am. Cider Creek Bakery in Paso Robles, corner of Niblick/South River Road.

ORCUTT DERELICTS: Every Sunday 8am. Held in the Oak Knolls Shopping Center in Orcutt, CA.

21) Books and Manuals from CarTech Publishing, 6118 Main Street, North Branch, Minnesota 55056, 1-800-551-4754,

www.CarTechBooks.com. How to Rebuild the Small Block Ford, by George Reid. Performance Automotive Engine Math. And How to Restore Your Mustang 1964 1/2-1973.

22) PrimeMotivation.com and International All-stars were at Baldwin Park High School, California. We just finished our 5th school out of 25. It feels good to know that the Allstars is helping to motivate and teach 12th grade students about the automotive industry. Look at the pictures and the website for updates on what we do and how to get involved. It’s fun, productive, safe, motivating and powerful being on campus. It was a beautiful day in Baldwin Park as kids checked out the Scion tC and xB brought in by Scion and Prime Motivation. See: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150228

517398943&type=3. From: Bill Montgomery at HiddenPioneers@gmail.com.

23) BOOK REVIEW: The Last Open Road, written by Burt “BS” Levy. Here are the next chapters of the book in order; “The glamorous life of a racing wrench,” “Grand Island,” “Home games and road games,” “Cross country by C-type,” “Elkhart Lake,” “Your cheatin’ heart,” (was it Julie, Buddy or a conniving competitor), “A night on Michigan Avenue,” “Another homecoming,” “The Glen,” (everyone’s favorite), “Death is news,” (was it Old Man Finzio, Buddy’s friend Cal or another driver) and “The two-party System.” I’ve told you enough about the story content and style. Now you must make the choice for yourself whether this is a book for you. Gone Racin’ can be reached at RnParks1@juno.com. Author BS “Burt” Levy is at thinkfast@mindspring.com. (serialized, part 9)

24) WHO WE ARE © 2024 GrandPrix+. CHARACTER REFERENCE by Joe Saward: BEAT ZEHNDER. Beat Zehnder (58) is the sporting director of Stake F1 Team.

25) MAIL DEPT: Rudy Sayn was the best design Engineer, and close friend, that Mentored me at Chrysler/FCA/Stellantis when we were in the SRT Motorsports Powertrain group.  He originally took what he learned at Ford and AMC (from Legends like Bob Minty) and started Batten Design with Cyril. Did a lot of concept engines for GM, including the Quad-4.  Eventually Rudy started Intermotive Design, which was bought by Ricardo to use as a Detroit area base.  Most days as we were heading out to lunch Rudy would pose a challenging question like, “What problem are you trying to solve?”  He always made me think about not just the physics, but which parameters were more dominant, like for a rocker arm or piston ring cooling. Young people working from home today are missing these interactions from Mentors. Like Dema Elgin had Ed Winfield. Ken and Ron Sperry have Mentored many at GM Powertrain, and even “outsider” Chrysler guys like myself.  Mentoring can be incredibly fulfilling for all involved. I think Joe Mondello and Judson Massingill have established fantastic schools.  Likewise, Kirk Ready’s (SCCA) influence at the University of Minnesota – Mankato has produced excellent Engineers within our industry. However, more of us need to take an active role. Thanks, Pat Baer

26) HERE’S TO THE HEROES, written for DRIVE Magazine by Wally Parks. “Today’s ‘man in charge’ of these operations has a background that includes Sportsman drag racing; successful roles as a Top Fuel dragster driver; track owner and as director of two NHRA Divisions before being advanced to his present post. Also, part of NHRA’s rules-evaluation team are a highly qualified former Top Fuel and Funny Car crew chief and a major car maker’s former racing rep, recruited by NHRA to supervise its complex but highly important industry related programs. All of that, plus the backing of an experienced, highly qualified staff of national and regional event-producers and technical experts, and the essential bases of responsibility are pretty well covered.”

27) “There are more components in making our cars run like how your gearing works and how thanks to the evolution of gears we don’t have to double clutch anymore thanks to gear synchronizers. In the future I see myself owning my own shop and building nice cars. Thanks to the Petersen I have learned that the car industry still has some problems they need to figure out and I want to find the solutions for those problems. I would like to pursue this career even more because I think the car industry is the best industry.” Scott, Teen Auto Workshop Summer Program Participant. From: info@petersen.org.

28) The Smothers Brothers’ Flirtation with Oldsmobile, written by Diego Rosenberg for The ClassicCars.com Journal: Your daily dose of steel, rubber and soul. (serialized part 6). Smothers’ first appearance promoting the team was making an exhibition run at the 1968 NHRA US Nationals in Indianapolis with a 1968 Super Stock Cutlass S Ram-Rod 350 (Ram-Rod was the marketing name for W31 at the time). “Man, I was completely stoked on the car. It was really nothing like herding a Formula rig, even though it required a lot of attention to driver requirement. But it’s fun, and I figured it was time to see in what small way I could help a lot of people realize where drag racing’s really at.” All five teams each received three crate motors and tricked-out transmissions while they waited for their respective car builds. All racers had Smith’s direct phone number if they ever needed replacement parts.

29) INSIDE OSCA: The Bolognese miracle that amazed the world is now available in the US. This is the first English-language book produced in more than 30 years about the small but revered Italian race car manufacturer. Judy Stropus

30) Start racing today with NHRA Street Legal. From: updates@go.nhra.com. DIVISION 4 S. Central Louisiana

No Problem Raceway Park, Belle Rose, LA, 1/4-mile, 985-369-3692, http://www.noproblemraceway.com/.

New Mexico Roswell Dragway, NM, 1/8-mile, 575-840-8959, https://www.facebook.com/RaceRoswellNM.

Oklahoma top Ardmore Dragway, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 1/8-mile, 580-653-2711, https://ardmoredragway.com.

Osage Casino, Tulsa Raceway Park, Tulsa OK, 1/4-mile, 918-437-7223, http://www.tulsaracewaypark.com/.

31) Jerome Galpin, President & CEO of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series and the President of Team FJ, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Paul Pfanner of RACER.com. From: team@epartrade.com.

32) Museums, Libraries, Hall of Fame Program problems continued. Bias or prejudice. Hall of Fame Program problems continued. Stubbornness, inability to say yes or no. There is bias in all programs, but that is not necessarily bad. People have biases; mine is for the earliest racers, mechanics and owners. That’s where my priorities are, and if the right decisions are made then I know the next generation will see to it that deserving people are taken care of. Think of bias as a “slanting” towards one source or another. Prejudice on the other hand is very close to the under- standing of bias. In my mind prejudice means “favoring” towards one side or another. Positive, and yes, there is positive prejudice, can be sometimes as destructive as negative prejudice. In voting it is the details that are important, and voters should restrict bias and prejudice as much as possible. The caveat is that “human nature” tends to get in the way.

33) Presenters to the EV Racing Safety Conference Returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway, October 22, 2024, include noteworthy pioneers in the electric racing world, research experts, and safety professional: Blake Fuller, Founder, Braille Battery, Tesla Racing Driver and record holder, EV powertrain specialist, and Team RTR. John Pagel, Tech Tyrant, 24 Hours of Lemons race series. Dr Anthony Bombik, Battery Authority, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, UNC Charlotte. In addition to these keynote speakers, the conference will also feature a number of unique electric vehicles, along with their creators to explain their development and safety features. Look up closely and talk with the owners to get an exclusive view of the components. https://motorsports. charlotte.edu/evrsafe. Don Taylor at dtaylor@racinggoessafer.org.

34) It’s been a great return to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series for Funny Car fan-favorite Jack Beckman, who took over driving duties for legendary driver John Force in Brainerd following Force’s June crash. He’ll head to Worldwide Technology Raceway for the first time in four years, full of excitement to race at this weekend’s 13th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals. Beckman has enjoyed a strong playoff run thus far, advancing to the finals in Reading and the semifinals in Charlotte, sitting 3rd in points as he tries to win a 17th championship for the iconic Force. nhracommunications@nhra.com.

EDITOR: Sorry to see John Force out due to injuries, but happy for super-nice racer “Fast Jack” Beckman.

35) Thanks for the opportunity to mention my books. Attached is a piece mostly about my best seller, The SpeedKings, with additional information about other books still available that I wrote and self-published. Don Emde at don@emdebooks.com.

DON: Please send in more information about your books.

36) Wednesday, October 9 at 9:00 AM PST: Episode #468 – “Advanced Clutch Technology for Racers: Maximizing Performance & Durability,” by Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) Rich Barsamian, Vice President, Sales & Marketing and Matt Field, Pro Formula Drift Driver, Drift Cave Motorsports. Hosted by Jeff Hammond from SiriusXM, Channel 90, Late Shift. To register for the seminar, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tkHxp5rOTi-rEfXzP0i9kA#/registration. From Epartrade.

37) This Week on Cars Yeah Mark Greene will interview Allan Winn, Stephen Deperte, Paul Tracy and Rachael Clegg. Cars Yeah mailing address 4618 131st St Ct NW, Gig Harbor, Washington 98332, or info@carsyeah.com.

38) The Ultimate Guide on NHRA Drag Racing Series Betting in the US. For seasoned punters, you can go beyond the basic strategies. Analyze the distinguishing characteristics of the different drag racing classes, seek expert insights, and utilize this knowledge to improve your betting decisions. https://nxtbets.com/the-ultimate-guide-on-nhra-drag-racing-series-betting-in-the-us/. John Towle

39) Ford Unveils Holographic Technology to Keep Eyes on the Road/Penta. Go to: www.dragpixbypete.com, and https://www.barrons.com/articles/ford-unveils-holographic-technology-to-keep-eyes-on-the-r oad-06124617?mod=hp_minor_pos31&_gl=1*1u9v9ql*_gcl_au*MTQ1OTc4MTM2OC4xNzE5OTM1NzQ4*_ga *MTA2NTE2MTg4My4xNzE1Nzg3OTAw*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcyNzI4MDA0Ny4xMi4wLjE3MjcyODAwNDcuNjAuMC4w. From Pete Garramone

40) BAD PEOPLE, by Joe Scalzo ($21.95) ISBN 9798335291811. This is some great news for long-time fans of motorsports reporter Joe Scalzo, as well as for anyone who just likes action-packed short stories (almost every one of them involving cars and/or racing). Here’s “Scoop’s” latest, simply and tastefully titled: Bad People. This little 6×9 inch paper-covered (black) book delivers thirty-one so-themed short stories in two hundred and twelve pages of the sort of non-stop, rapid-fire, rabbit-punching, snap-shifting prose that always makes reading Scalzo’s stuff so damn entertaining. Reviewed by DOUG STOKES at stokes28doug@gmail.com.

41) I wanted to make sure you knew about the California Hot Rod Reunion, Friday, October 25th through Sunday, October 27, 2024, with Blake Bowser this year at Famoso. Blake is running the event with proceeds going to the Museum: Go to https://famosodragstrip.com/hotrodreunion/. David Kennedy

42) Leon Bubby Wilton: Engine Builder and Utility Class Boat Racing (1940’s), Hydro Racing (1950’s), K-Boats Racing w/Julian Pettingill (1950-’60’s), Blown Gas Hydro w/Mark Lee (1960’s), A-Dragster driven by Dyno Don Nicholson (’52). Living in La Verne, CA and can be contacted via Marv Weston at marvweston@hotmail.com.

EDITOR: I called Bubby, and we had a nice conversation. He is 92 and remembers when at the age of 15, in the 1940’s when he raced hydroplanes on the Ohio River. His parents had to give him their approval and this started a long period of racing for Bubby. He also went drag racing in 1951 at CJ Hart’s Santa Ana Drag Strip, but Bubby also had a long and successful career as an engine builder. He came to my Boat Racers Reunions from 2000 to 2006.

43) Hi Richard, this is our latest Newsletter from The Vintage Speedcar (Midgets) Club. The Vintage Speedcar Association (VSA) Newsletter, 246th edition Aug/Sept 2024. The Vintage Speedcar Association (NSW), PO Box 73, Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia, 2145. President’s Report: we have recently lost two of our real legends. Bryan Cunneen and Ronald Mackay were not only two of the greatest speedcar drivers, but they both excelled in being the nicest of human beings. They will both be missed deeply. From John & Maria Green at ajkake@bigpond.com.

JOHN & MARIA: The Illabo Speedway, August 10, 2024, photos were awesome. The old and new style midgets racing on the red, iron-rich Aussie track must have been something to see.

44) LAWAC’s September 19th Event with Former Speaker McCarthy + Photos (https://daviniphotography.smugmug.com/WAC/91924/i-T2xpwsf/A). From: Hidden Pioneers hiddenpioneers@gmail.com.

EDITOR: Hidden Pioneers is a group that encourages vocational and trades education in the public schools.

45) For the first time in history, NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series race day will include four female drivers in the Top Fuel ranks at the 13th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway in St Louis. The Top Fuel field at the NHRA Midwest Nationals will see former champion and #3 qualifier Brittany Force taking on Josh Hart in the first round of eliminations. #7 qualifier Jasmine Salinas will meet up with points leader Antron Brown while #9 Ida Zetterström will face off with former champion Steve Torrence. Finally, reigning Top Alcohol Dragster champion Julie Nataas – who qualified #15, will battle with eight-time champion Tony Schumacher in her Top Fuel debut. From: nhracommunications@nhra.com.

EDITOR: It’s nice that the ladies are progressing, but wouldn’t they prefer to be called “Top flight, competent, highly successful, and professional drag racers instead?”

46) We started Hidden Pioneers in 2017, and the first Team member was Tom Matano, after meeting him at the Mazda Corp office Miata/MX5 reunion. I had 3 Mazda vehicles on display with the International Allstars Marketing Team. We had a few good sponsors and were in demand thanks to Jim Jordan, my mentor before social media hit the scene. I was able to talk with Tom there and got his contact info. We stayed in touch, and I asked him to be one of the Hidden Pioneers and he said yes. Bill Montgomery at HiddenPioneers@gmail.com.

47) The Quick 32 Sportsman Series and Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) Championship Point Award Series for 2024. In the Top Dragster final, John Vergotz Jr defeated Greg Kerl with a 4.6019 second, 149.45 mph pass on a 4.60 dial-in, with a reaction time of .0212 seconds. Kerl from Elma, NY, ran 4.6733 seconds at 146.34 mph on a 4.67 Cody Reome from McGraw, New York. Bruce Mehlenbacher is at Bruce@JAJentertainment.com.

48) For Race Industry Week, the best is also to go directly on the platform for the latest updates, here is the dedicated link for Industry Week: https://www.epartrade.com/more/onlineraceindustryweek. For the registration of the entire Race Industry Week 2024 go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9_27inNOSM–AtdqtPRsig#/registration. From Francisque Savinien, founder of Epartrade.

49) 2024 Mission Moto Beach Classic: Saturday October 12, 2024, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach, CA, SeaLegs at the Beach, 17851 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. 10:30am–6pm, with live music afterparty until 11pm. Free to the public, with VIP tickets available for purchase at www.motobeachclassic.com. For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: Summer Hoover is at summer@rolandsands.com.

50) Tony Stewart has massive fireball in St Louis at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECWTucTUf3U. Austin Prock’s #1 run at Midwest Nats at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fjkqKxhEic. Erica Enders goes low in St Louis qualifying at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmJUJ86zwVw. TJ Zizzo grabs to spot in Top Fuel at Midwest Nats at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET3EAAfJAIU. Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, Ilinois, Thursday, October 3-Sunday, October 6, 2024. From: National Hot Rod Association News at updates@go.nhra.com.

51) From the MSHFA website at https://www.mshf.com/. Inductees: 2009 Kenny Bernstein, David Hobbs, Scott Parker, Les Richter, Al Unser Jr, Joe Weatherly, & H. A. Humpy Wheeler. 2010 inductees are: Dale Armstrong, Joie Chitwood, Alan Kulwicki, Jeremy McGrath, Ken Squier, Jerry Titus, & Rich Vogler. 2011 inductees are: Donnie Allison, Sid Collins, Roger McCluskey, Ed McCulloch, Augie Pabst, Bruce Penhall, & Ed Winfield. 2012 inductees are: Derek Bell, Neil Bonnett, Pop Dreyer, Vic Edelbrock, Ricky Johnson, Ed Pink, & Danny Sullivan.

52) Win our 1963 Corvette Restomod, 6.2L LS3 V8 (500 HP & 480 lb-ft of torque, DC Sports Stainless Steel Exhaust, MaxxECU Tuning, Jenvey Fuel Injection w/ ITB Intake Manifold, Dry Sump Oiling Systems, Aluminum Radiator. Contact Petersen Automotive Museum info@petersen.org, for details.

EDITOR: This is a fundraiser for the museum.

53) We had 3 presenters from Hidden Pioneers STREAM Team speak and show videos of Research in Space & History at Family Night at the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, CA, with a recap of NASA’s Europa Clipper Launch, set for October 10th. Bill Montgomery talked about the basics of NASA, who, where, when, why & how to get connected with agencies and organizations. He talked about his cousin Katherine Johnson and her challenges and success while working for NASA 34 years. Pam Leetsma & Ron talked about research and rockets with videos and a question-and-answer session at the end. Hidden Pioneers is at hiddenpioneers@gmail.com.

54) 2024 Spirit of Competition Award honoring “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, Saturday, October 12, from 10AM to 2 PM. The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is excited to announce that Don Garlits has been selected as the 2024 Honoree. This award recognizes his groundbreaking contributions to drag racing and motorsports. Garlits’ pursuit of innovation and excellence not only led to numerous championships, but also transformed the sport with revolutionary advancements in dragster design. His enduring passion, competitive spirit, and lasting impact on automotive culture perfectly embody the essence of the museum’s award. From: newsletter@simeonemuseum.org.

55) I enjoy reading your newsletters. A lot I’m not familiar with but that’s okay.  That’s me being out of touch. Haven’t been to a drag race in 4 years ago this month since my son was accidently killed while working on his car, a replicate 68 Dodge Dart of my car. He knew better but was in a hurry, trying to find a water leak under the car, jacked it up and without jack stands went under to check. The jack slipped and the car fell on him and crushed him. No one was around to help. I take that back we did go to Bakersfield and spread his ashes on the strip. He died on the 14th of September (during covid) but the church we attend let us have his funeral outside on the grounds and we had over 250 people there at last count to honor him. We went against all the rules. It was amazing at that time you couldn’t do anything. September is not a good month for me. From: Shirley Shahan Bridges at amxdragonlady1@sbcglobal.net.

SHIRLEY: I am so very sorry to hear about your son’s passing. Please write in often.

56) Royce Rumsey published “Rauchen auf der Rampe.” The Lyon Air Museum has fairly well established itself as a venue-of-choice for Porsche events and exhibits–featuring the most renowned and rare of the Stuttgart steeds. From their famed “Summer of Porsche” exhibit (https://roycer924.exposure.co/porsche-perseverence) of 2020 to various “Porsche Saturdays on the Flightline” weekend fetes, the progeny of Herr Porsche has been well-celebrated at the Museum. The most recent of these celebratory gatherings saw among the 100+ Porsches not just one, but TWO of the legendary Rothmans livery examples parked on the Flightline. And with a stunning B-25 Mitchell warbird of the Museum’s parked on the tarmac among the gathered Porsches a photoshoot was in order. Go to: https://roycer924.exposure.co/rauchen-auf-der-rampe. Royce is at roycer924_2@mac.com.

57) THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT CAR GUYS DEPARTMENT: Dimitri “Dema” Elgin wrote, “We had a great trip to Kenya in September 2023. Many great memories, Lots of good pictures. Did you enjoy the Wildebeests?” Dema

DEMA: In Africa one year and a cruise to the South Pole the next. Car guys are indeed multi-dimensional.

58) Pioneer Stories – Allard Dragon Story (Part 2). 27 September 2024. The British Drag Racing Historians are proud to present part two of the Allard Dragon stories: The Allard Dragons played a big part in British Drag Racing history, racing on UK drag strips from 1964 up to the 1990’s and then continuing to make appearances at Nostalgia Meetings. This story takes a detailed look at the many drivers who raced the Dragons in various guises over the years, tracing their history and achievements up to today. Story produced by Nick Pettitt and published by editor of Eurodragster.com Chris Winn. You can view this story by going here: https://eurodragster.net/article.aspx?id=56. From: John Hunt johnhunt.drn@googlemail.com.

59) It was a fun issue (October) to produce, although there were a couple of days of hard effort getting the Collie photo gallery together. I extended the deadline to allow for photos and stories from members, and got a number of photographs, which had to be set up, people and cars identified, etc. I think it worked. I hope you enjoy it. It’s at https://indd.adobe.com/view/42b173f7-ea4 1-4807-94f1-d69dc492ee6e. Regards, Bob Campbell, Editor of Vintage Metal magazine at robertcampbell4@icloud.com.

60) BLAST FROM THE PAST…… From the Wally & Barbara Parks story, We Did It Our Way. JANUARY 1948 First issue of Hot Rod magazine with Eddie Hulse on cover.

The first issue of Hot Rod magazine showed Eddie Hulse in his track roadster; the car had flames painted on the front end. A smiling Hulse wore a leather airman’s helmet and goggles, which wasn’t much help in an accident. Eddie’s brother, Chuck Hulse, would compete in the Indy 500. The photo was most likely taken by Lee Blaisdell, the official photographer of the SCTA, whom Petersen hired as the first photographer of Hot Rod magazine. The co-editors were Robert Lindsay and Robert Petersen. Gordon Forslund was the assistant photographer. The cartoonist was Donald Miller. Reporters were Anthony (Andy) Granatelli and John Lelis.

61) Books on Mark Greene’s Cars Year website mentioned by those appearing on Mark’s Podcast.

Russell Byrnes – The Bible.

Gunther Raupp – The Ferrari Book by Gunther Raupp.

Darwin Holmstrom – Top Muscle by Darwin Holmstrom.

Jim Simpson – Ferrari: The Sports and Gran Tursimo Cars by Fitzgerald and Merritt (out of print).

Geoff Hacker – Dan Post Set of Reprints – The Rodder’s Journal.

Eric LeMay – The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1905-1942 by John Gunnell.

Peter Harholdt – Flying Catalinas by Andrew Hendrie.

Mike Cardenas – How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

62) GEORGE POTEET, by David Tremayne restspirit@aol.com. DEMON DRIVER. (last in the series). The Bonneville Salt Flats are beautiful yet other worldly, like a beguiling but quarrelsome woman. You never know whether she’ll kiss you or bite you, but she is never anything less than dangerously attractive even if she often views human life in a very harsh perspective. George was every bit as comfortable courting her in a streamliner at maximum speed as he was guiding his tractor across ploughed fields when being the farmer he liked to be when he wasn’t racing on the salt or being a businessman. That, allied to his humility and generosity, says so much about one of the genuine kings of the land speed game who will forever be much missed.

63) The Smothers Brothers’ Flirtation with Oldsmobile, written by Diego Rosenberg for The ClassicCars.com Journal: Your daily dose of steel, rubber and soul. Part 7. Sam Murray, who ran the Berejik Oldsmobile speed shop and later worked as a mechanic for the team, relates an amusing story about Jimmy Waibel: He was a Chevy guy new to the Olds fold, so when he was preparing his W31 convertible, he did not machine the crankshaft for the pilot bushing to connect with the four-speed’s input shaft—something not needed with four-speed-specific Chevrolet cranks. Waibel called Smith in a panic, as the Winternationals was rapidly approaching, and his build was not going as planned. After learning about the Oldsmobile crankshaft, Waibel was forced to remove the engine and transmission from the W31 so he could properly machine the crank.

64) Howard Heerey, by Lindsay Taylor. Howie and I worked together at Eurocars. Howard and his father took on production of the GTM (check on U Tube), of which about 170 were made. Howie raced one for a while with a bit of success. Howie won the British Clubman’s championship in I think 1966, driving a Chevron. He won the title by one point beating none other than Max Mosely. He later raced in F3 in its heyday, competing in the Monaco F3 race. He was up against some future well-funded superstars, I think Reuteman being one. He is now racing Karts and a leading light in the club at Albany. From Bob Campbell (Vintage Metal Magazine, Western Australia).

65) Hidden Pioneers Team website: at hiddenpioneers/Linktree, https://linktr.ee/hiddenpioneers. Bill Montgomery

66) SHERM PORTER’s Calendar of Events at fuely32@sbcglobal.net.

October 5-6, 2024, Eagle Field Drags, Hot Rod Gathering, ’72 and earlier flag start, www.eaglefielddrags.com.

October 10-12, 2024, Streets of Bakersfield Cruizin’ Shine, 661-588-7933 or tony@Cruizin4Charity.com.

October 11-13, 2024, Viking Charities Classic Car Show, VikingCarShow@gmail.com.

October 11-13, 2024, ANRA Fall Nationals, Auto Club Famoso Raceway, Famoso, CA. www.anra.com.

October 12, 2024, Car Show, Golden West HS, Visalia, CA, 559-662-3138 or classicautoCCA@icloud.com.

October 12, 2024, Vince Dimaggio Park, Marina, CA, 831-601-5856 or www.Marinarotaryclub.org.

October 13, 2024, Tri-County Mustang Club show, Oxnard, CA, Spencer Siebold at 805-415-9039.

October 13, 2024, Pete Paulsen’s Party, Paulsen Ranch, French Camp, 209-983-0271, or www.petepaulsen.com.

67) 2024 Mission Moto Beach Classic: The fusion of Bike and Art shows Custom Bikes and massive art walls combine with graffiti, fine art, photography and rolling metal creations surfside. This year’s artists include Josh Pena, Max 242, Braggs, Steve Fawley, Matt Black, GVLLOW, SPOR, Tracey Negrete, Justin Reynolds and Nick Potasch. The show highlights some of the finest craftsmanship in motorcycle design, including builds from CROIG, Steady Garage, Kully Millage, Saddlmen seats, Suicide Machine Company, and Aaron Colton. The exclusive showing of the limited-edition Indian x Roland Sands Design (RSD) FTR motorcycle, showcased by Indian Motorcycles and enthusiasts won’t want to miss Royal Enfield’s showcase of the RSD Chopper, a tribute to classic chopper styling and innovation. Buell Motorcycles will present their lineup of SuperCruisers, blending power and precision with striking design. Summer Hoover is at summer@rolandsands.com.

68) HERE’S TO THE HEROES, written for DRIVE Magazine by Wally Parks. “With all of these considerations, it seems pointless to ridicule a system that has protected the sport’s security and integrity for more than five decades, but some prominent careers have emerged in the past, based on a widely circulated practice of ridiculing the NHRA. Who, other than NHRA, is better qualified to ride herd on the rules in a field of racing that involves over 220 complex classes, from 330+ mph fuel burners to junior dragsters – racing at more than 5000 sanctioned events each year? The answer is quite obvious. Nobody.” Then he added an editor’s note: “Outstanding examples of never-ending changes in drag racing’s rules can be seen in the NHRA Motorsports Museum at Pomona, California with its rows of showcase exhibits that reflect ongoing milestones in the sport’s progressive history.” (last in series)

69) On Wednesday, 18 September 2024 the White House administration gave the Human Computers Award from NASA posthumously to Katherine Johnson who worked there for 34 years and was instrumental in assisting the Moon landings. She was known for her expertise in math calculations. A true legend and Pioneer whose story lives on through our Team of Hidden Pioneers. She was 101 years old at the time of her passing in 2020. Go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZIqAVfX1bo. From Bill Montgomery of Hidden Pioneers

70) In 1904, William Kissam Vanderbilt II (1878-1944) became one of the foundational figures in American motor sports when he launched the Vanderbilt Cup, the first major trophy in US racing. A lasting icon to this day, the Vanderbilt Cup was introduced a full two years before the initial French Grand Prix and seven before the first Indianapolis 500. The Vanderbilt Cup spurred the involvement of American manufacturers in motorsports and attracted the world’s top racers. Winners included inductees or nominees George Robertson, Ralph De Palma (MSHFA Class of 1992), Louis Chevrolet (MSHFA Class of 1995) and Dario Resta. The races were held in New York, Savannah, Milwaukee, Santa Monica and finally San Francisco before being halted for WWI. From Adam Saal

71) Another story always made Dad laugh. Wally Parks and Ak Miller were making a small fire on the Bonneville Salt Flats to cook some frankfurters when this Texan drove up in a brand-new Cadillac and a ten-gallon Stetson on his head. The man asked a question about the time trials going on, but before Ak could answer there was an explosion that sent bits of charcoal and wood flying into the air and down on the man’s car, leaving scorch marks. The more Ak told that tale the more people said he made it up. One day I asked my father about that story and dad broke up in laughter and said, “Boy was that guy mad,” which confirmed Ak’s account. (Source: Parks’ archives)

72) EDITORS NOTES: The following letter is the conclusion to a 2-part serialized letter.

Now on to the schooling system in Switzerland. We have three steps almost everybody has to go through.

1) Primary education: It is controlled by the local municipality. It is pretty much the same for everybody, though it varies a bit from school to school. It takes 6 years in total. In these 6 years we have: 6 years of German, Arts, Music, History, Sports, General education, “fine” Handicrafts and “rough” Handicrafts and Maths, 4 years of English, 2 years of French.

2) Secondary education: It is controlled by the local Canton/State. You get put into one of 4 (really just 2) options for Secondary school, depending on your grades. For the best Students 6 years of Gymnasium “High school,” for all the others 3 years of normal secondary school. (A, B or C level). In the 6 years it takes, we have: 6 years of German, Math, English, Sports, French, Geography, History. 5 years of Biology. 3 years of physics and a major subject (I chose economics and law). 2 years of Chemistry, Philosophy and one subject with additional lessons (I chose Sports). 1 year of Handicrafts. In the end we have to write a graduation paper/thesis/study alongside some graduation exams. Then we get to go to all universities in Switzerland for very little money and with no other requirements than to pass the graduation. Normal secondary education: I honestly don’t know what subjects they have, but it’s almost the same as ours. Just at a lower level. In the end, they have to apply for an apprenticeship somewhere and get accepted to pass. The apprenticeship is their tertiary education. It’s the same as pretty much everywhere. They can, after an extra exam, also go to university, but only in the subject that they took the apprenticeship in.

3) Tertiary education: It is under government control, and besides a few already mentioned quirks, it is the same as everywhere else. I took almost an hour writing this. I hope it gives you some insight. It has been a pleasure talking with you. Timo Schweiger is at timo.schweiger@hotmail.com.

TIMO: You did an excellent job. The American system is fragmented by state and school districts. I taught in the Huntington Beach School district and most of the students there would rather have been somewhere else. The Teacher’s Union stifles any attempt at modernizing an archaic system and the Superintendent does little to change or modify studies.

73) Melissa Eickhoff, Executive Director of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Paul Pfanner of RACER.com.

Masaaki Bandoh, Chairman of GTA, joined us for the 4th Annual Race Industry Week. Hosted by Paul Pfanner of RACER.com. From: team@epartrade.com.

74) Peter Edward “Pete” Rose Sr, born April 14, 1941, and passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 83. Jim Murray wrote this on 13 January 1991, “Pete Rose played the game for 24 years with the little boy’s zeal and wonder until, if you closed your eyes, you could picture him with his cap on sideways, knickers falling down to his ankles and dragging a taped ball and busted bat behind him, looking for all the world like something that fell off Norman Rockwell’s easel.”